Bitumen Membrane Particle Transfer for Precise Decoration Contours
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for applying decorative solid particles to prefabricated water-proofing bitumen-mix membranes suffer from imprecision and non-uniformity in decoration, leading to a blurring of contours and increased wear, requiring frequent maintenance due to uncontrolled particle release and interposed particles.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a transfer member featuring cavities of reduced size and an occlusion roller to hold particles until deposition, ensuring precise and uniform application of solid particles, reducing wear and maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a transfer member with cavities is used to transfer solid particles, then the decoration pattern is defined, but the solid particles are not held properly and are unloaded together, causing blurring of contours
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible holding belt is introduced as an intermediary element between the transfer member cavities and the solid particles. The belt makes contact with the support surface of the transfer member and exerts a holding action on the particles during rotation, preventing premature unloading while allowing controlled release at the deposition point.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding device is implemented as a flexible belt that wraps around the transfer member. This flexible film conformally contacts the support surface and cavities, adapting to the geometry of the transfer member while providing continuous holding force on the solid particles during the rotation cycle.
2Reliability
If a flexible belt holding device is used to hold particles, then particle release is controlled, but particles interposed between the belt and support surface are also transferred, reducing precision
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful effect of interposed particles is eliminated by extracting or removing them from the system. The flexible belt is designed to contact only the support surface in areas where no cavities are present, and any particles found in these contact zones are removed or prevented from being transferred to the membrane.
3Reliability
If solid particles are interposed between the belt and support surface, then wear increases and maintenance frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The potential harm of particle contact is converted into a benefit by designing the flexible belt to intentionally contact the support surface in non-cavity areas. This controlled contact prevents particles from becoming trapped between rigid surfaces, and any particles in these zones are easily removed, actually reducing wear compared to uncontrolled particle entrapment.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution achieves precise decoration definition and uniformity of the covering layer, extending the working life of components and reducing maintenance, while maintaining a pleasant appearance and precise contour filling.
Implementation Method 1
an occlusion roller (25) in contact with said support surface and configured to hold the solid particles inside the respective cavities before they are deposited
Implementation Method 2
The activation of the transfer member determines the transfer and release onto the prefabricated water-proofing bitumen-mix membrane of the solid particles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4a~8
AI summary
Apparatus to make decorations (20) on a prefabricated water-proofing bitumen-mix membrane (12), wherein the decorations (20) are made by depositing solid particles (13), in the form of flakes, grains, sand or grit, suitable to adhere to at least one surface of said prefabricated water-proofing bitumen-mix membrane (12). The apparatus comprises at least one transfer member (11) provided with a support surface (19) suitable to receive, support and transfer the solid particles (13) toward the surface to be enhanced of the prefabricated water-proofing bitumen-mix membrane (12). The support surface (19) is provided with a plurality of cavities (18) suitable to receive the solid particles (13). The cavities (18) are made inside at least one surface portion (21) of the support surface (19) and the surface portion (21), essentially reproducing the shape and sizes of at least one of the decorations (20).